Ezra 3:4

KJV

They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as [it is] written, and [offered] the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;

KJV (with Strong's)

They kept {H6213} also the feast {H2282} of tabernacles {H5521}, as it is written {H3789}, and offered the daily {H3117}{H3117} burnt offerings {H5930} by number {H4557}, according to the custom {H4941}, as the duty {H1697} of every day {H3117} required {H3117};

Complete Jewish Bible

They observed the festival of Sukkot as written, offering daily the number of burnt offerings prescribed for each day,

Berean Standard Bible

They also celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles in accordance with what is written, and they offered burnt offerings daily based on the number prescribed for each day.

American Standard Version

And they kept the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt-offerings by number, according to the ordinance, as the duty of every day required;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 3:4 details the immediate post-exilic actions of the returned Jewish community in Jerusalem, led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua. Having re-established the altar, their foundational commitment to God's Law was demonstrated by their meticulous observance of the Feast of Tabernacles and the reinstatement of the daily burnt offerings. This verse underscores their determination to restore proper worship and spiritual discipline in accordance with divine command, even before the full reconstruction of the Temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 3:4 follows directly from the re-establishment of the altar for burnt offerings in [Ezra 3:2](/ezra/3-2 "Ezra 3:2 - Rebuilding the Altar"). The narrative in [Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - Rebuilding the Altar and Laying the Temple Foundation") describes the initial steps taken by the returned exiles to restore their spiritual life in Jerusalem. Despite fear of the surrounding peoples ([Ezra 3:3](/ezra/3-3 "Ezra 3:3 - Fear of the Peoples")), their priority was to resume the prescribed worship rituals. The observance of the Feast of Tabernacles, as detailed in this verse, was a significant communal act of worship, followed by the reinstatement of daily sacrifices ([Ezra 3:5-6](/ezra/3-5 "Ezra 3:5-6 - Daily Offerings and Temple Foundation")). This sequence highlights their commitment to divine command as the bedrock of their rebuilding efforts, preceding even the laying of the Temple's foundation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezra 3:4 occur shortly after the Jewish people's return from seventy years of Babylonian exile, facilitated by Cyrus's decree in [Ezra 1](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree and the Return"). Under the leadership of Zerubbabel (governor) and Jeshua (high priest), the community faced the immense task of rebuilding a devastated city and re-establishing their national and spiritual identity. The observance of the Feast of Tabernacles (_Sukkot_) was particularly significant. It was a major harvest festival celebrating God's provision and commemorating the Israelites' forty years of wilderness wandering, living in temporary shelters, and God's faithful presence with them. Reinstating this festival, along with daily offerings, was a public declaration of their renewed covenant with God and a tangible step towards restoring the religious life that had been disrupted by the exile, signaling a return to the Mosaic Law as the guiding principle for their community.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Ezra. Foremost is the theme of **Obedience to God's Law**. The repeated phrases "as it is written" and "according to the custom, as the duty of every day required" underscore the exiles' deliberate and meticulous adherence to the Mosaic Law, a stark contrast to the disobedience that led to their exile. This commitment to God's precise commands is foundational to their [spiritual restoration](/ezra/6-16 "Ezra 6:16 - Dedication of the Temple"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Restoration of Worship**. By re-establishing the prescribed feasts and sacrifices, the community was actively rebuilding the channels of communion and atonement with God, symbolizing a renewed covenant relationship. This act of worship was a tangible sign of their return to God's ways and a critical step in their national revival. Finally, the mention of "daily burnt offerings" points to **Spiritual Discipline and Perseverance**. It signifies a commitment to consistent, disciplined worship beyond just major festivals, demonstrating a deep desire to honor God continually, even amidst the challenges of rebuilding and potential opposition ([Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to the Rebuilding")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Feast of Tabernacles (Hebrew, _Sukkot_):** This seven-day (plus an eighth day of assembly) festival, prescribed in [Leviticus 23:33-43](/leviticus/23-33 "Leviticus 23:33-43 - Instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles"), was one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals. Its name, _Sukkot_, refers to the temporary shelters or booths (sukkah) that the Israelites were commanded to dwell in during the festival, commemorating God's provision and protection during their forty years of wandering in the wilderness after the Exodus. Its observance symbolized God's faithful presence with His people and their dependence on Him.
* **as it is written (Hebrew, כַּכָּתוּב, _ka-katuv_):** This phrase emphasizes the meticulous adherence to the divine instructions found in the Torah. It signifies a conscious and deliberate effort by the returned exiles to follow God's commands precisely, contrasting with the previous generations' neglect of the Law that led to their exile. It highlights the authority of Scripture as the guiding principle for their worship and communal life.
* **burnt offerings (Hebrew, עֹלָה, _`olah`_):** Meaning "that which ascends," this type of offering was completely consumed by fire on the altar, with the smoke ascending to God. It symbolized complete dedication, devotion, and atonement for sin. The daily burnt offering (the _tamid_ offering) was a foundational element of Israelite worship, signifying the continuous need for atonement and the constant dedication of the people to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as [it is] written,"**: This clause highlights the immediate and foundational act of worship undertaken by the returned exiles. "They kept" signifies their active observance, while "as it is written" underscores their commitment to biblical fidelity. This was not a casual observance but a deliberate adherence to the specific instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles found in the Mosaic Law, signaling a return to covenant obedience.
* **"and [offered] the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom,"**: This specifies the nature and regularity of their sacrifices. Beyond the annual festival, the re-establishment of the "daily burnt offerings" (the _tamid_ offerings) demonstrates a commitment to consistent, ongoing worship. "By number" and "according to the custom" indicate a precise, ordered, and traditional practice, ensuring that the sacrifices were performed exactly as prescribed by the Law for each day.
* **"as the duty of every day required;"**: This final phrase reinforces the meticulousness and unwavering commitment of the community. It emphasizes that their actions were not arbitrary but were in fulfillment of a divinely mandated obligation. This speaks to their dedication to spiritual discipline and their understanding that daily worship was an essential "duty" or requirement for maintaining their covenant relationship with God.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 3:4 employs several **Literary Devices** to underscore its central message of faithful restoration. **Repetition** is prominent, with phrases like "as it is written," "according to the custom," and "as the duty of every day required." This triple emphasis on adherence to divine command highlights the meticulousness and intentionality of the exiles' obedience, contrasting sharply with the past disobedience that led to the exile. The verse also utilizes **Symbolism**: the Feast of Tabernacles itself is a powerful symbol of God's dwelling presence, His provision, and the pilgrimage of His people, while the burnt offerings symbolize complete dedication and atonement. Their immediate re-establishment of these rituals, even before the Temple's completion, acts as a **Metonymy** for the spiritual revival of the entire nation, where specific acts of worship stand in for the broader restoration of Israel's relationship with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 3:4 is a profound testament to the theological principle that true restoration, whether personal or communal, begins with a return to God's Word and a commitment to obedient worship. The exiles' prioritizing of the Feast of Tabernacles and daily offerings, even amidst fear and the daunting task of rebuilding, demonstrates that spiritual foundations are paramount. Their meticulous adherence to "what is written" reflects a deep understanding that God's covenant blessings are contingent upon faithfulness to His commands. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that structured, disciplined worship is not merely ritual but a vital expression of devotion, a means of acknowledging God's sovereignty, and a pathway to renewed communion with Him. It underscores the enduring importance of God's Law as the blueprint for a flourishing life, both individually and corporately.

* [Leviticus 23:33-43](/leviticus/23-33 "Leviticus 23:33-43 - Instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles")
* [Nehemiah 8:13-18](/nehemiah/8-13 "Nehemiah 8:13-18 - Later Observance of Sukkot")
* [Deuteronomy 31:10-13](/deuteronomy/31-10 "Deuteronomy 31:10-13 - Reading of the Law at Sukkot")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 3:4 offers a compelling blueprint for spiritual renewal in any age. In a world often characterized by spiritual apathy or a pick-and-choose approach to faith, the unwavering commitment of the returned exiles to God's prescribed worship is a powerful challenge. It reminds us that true spiritual restoration begins not with our feelings or preferences, but with a deliberate, disciplined return to the authoritative Word of God and the practices He has ordained. Just as they prioritized rebuilding the altar and re-establishing worship before anything else, we are called to place God and His commands at the center of our lives, especially after periods of spiritual neglect or adversity. This involves a consistent commitment to spiritual disciplines—daily engagement with Scripture, prayer, and corporate worship—not as burdensome duties, but as acts of profound devotion and obedience that shape our hearts and align us with God's will. Their perseverance in daily offerings, even in the absence of a complete Temple, teaches us that our worship should be consistent and faithful, regardless of our circumstances or the grandeur of our physical surroundings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "altar" or spiritual foundation in my life needs to be rebuilt or re-prioritized today?**
* **In what areas of my faith am I tempted to deviate from "what is written," and how can I cultivate a more meticulous obedience?**
* **How can I make my daily spiritual disciplines—like Bible reading and prayer—more consistent and reflective of a "duty" and delight to God?**
* **What "feasts" or communal acts of worship in my life or church community need renewed commitment and intentionality?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of observing the Feast of Tabernacles first?**

Answer: The Feast of Tabernacles (_Sukkot_) was one of the most joyous and significant annual festivals. Its immediate observance by the returned exiles, even before the Temple's foundation was laid, held profound significance. Spiritually, it commemorated God's faithful provision and presence during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, offering a powerful message of hope and reassurance that God would again dwell among them and provide for them as they rebuilt. Culturally, it was a major harvest festival, a time of thanksgiving and communal celebration, which would have helped unite the diverse group of returned exiles and instill a sense of shared identity and purpose. Its observance, "as it is written," also demonstrated their immediate commitment to covenant obedience, signaling a fresh start rooted in God's Law.

**What does "as it is written" imply about their approach to worship?**

Answer: The phrase "as it is written" (Hebrew, _ka-katuv_) is a crucial indicator of the returned exiles' deep commitment to biblical authority and precise obedience. It implies that their worship was not based on human tradition, convenience, or innovation, but was meticulously guided by the specific instructions found in the Mosaic Law. This stands in stark contrast to the generations prior to the exile, whose disregard for God's written commands led to their judgment. For the post-exilic community, this phrase underscored their determination to avoid past mistakes and to ensure that every aspect of their worship was pleasing to God by conforming strictly to His revealed will. It highlights the supreme authority of Scripture as the foundation for all true worship and spiritual life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 3:4, with its emphasis on the Feast of Tabernacles and daily burnt offerings, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. The Feast of Tabernacles, commemorating God's dwelling among His people in temporary shelters, finds its ultimate reality in Christ, who is God incarnate, the true "tabernacle" who "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus Himself attended and spoke profoundly at this feast, proclaiming Himself the source of living water ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles")) and the "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), fulfilling the festival's symbolic rituals. Furthermore, the daily burnt offerings, which symbolized complete dedication and atonement for sin, point directly to Christ's singular, perfect, and once-for-all sacrifice on the cross. His offering was not "by number" or "according to the custom" of repeated animal sacrifices, but a single, sufficient act that perfectly fulfilled "the duty" required for the reconciliation of humanity with God ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Through Him, the need for daily animal sacrifices ceased, and believers are now called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and devoted lives ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifices of Praise"), [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). Thus, the meticulous obedience of the exiles in Ezra 3:4 ultimately points to the perfect obedience of Christ, who fully accomplished what the Law and its rituals could only anticipate.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 23:16

And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, [which is] in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.

Numbers 29:12

¶ And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days:

Numbers 29:38

And one goat [for] a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.

Nehemiah 8:14

And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month:

Nehemiah 8:17

And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness.

Zechariah 14:16

¶ And it shall come to pass, [that] every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.

Zechariah 14:19

This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.